Poikans: AI could lower the intellect of this generation

Ilmars Poikans, a researcher at the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory of the University of Latvia's Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, shared his views on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society in the TV24 programme "Nedēļa. Post scriptum". In his view, the technology lets people achieve more, but over the long term it may weaken how people think.

A tool that expands capabilities

Poikans described AI as a capability multiplier: a person who knows how to use it can do more in the same amount of time. The researcher believes that, in terms of general knowledge, AI is already smarter than humans.

The risk of dependence

Asked whether the human mind might lose control over AI, Poikans pointed to human nature. In his opinion, people are lazy by nature, the brain consumes a lot of energy, and most people will not think if they have the option not to. Because AI can be asked almost anything, using the information uncritically makes a person dependent and hinders their development. He called this very dangerous and suggested this could be the first generation whose overall or average intelligence level declines.

He added that AI, like any tool, can be used both positively and negatively. The technology offers broad opportunities, but on the other hand it can be described as the "dumbing down of society in the long term".

Impact on professions

Poikans believes professions will change. Programmers already face significant changes, and lawyers will too. According to him, top-level specialists are relatively protected, but juniors and beginners have a very hard time, because AI is smarter than the average person at a general level.